Astronomical watches have been a part of Vacheron Constantin’s line-up since 1884 when they released their first perpetual calendar that was integrated into a pocket watch. This makes sense with the theme Vacheron are going for this year, Classic with a Twist. And not just that, Vacheron Constantin have dedicated 2021 to “Le Temp Celeste” (Celestial Time) which means they are creating timepieces with reference to the astronomical origins of timekeeping.
The ref. 9820C/000R-B707 showcases the Maison’s astronomic and aesthetic complexity and this certainly puts astronomy at the forefront, but let’s take a look at that movement first.
The movement is the in-house Calibre 1991. This movement is extremely complicated with 745 components, and it is the result of four years of development. The movement spins two rotating globes on the dial that represent each of the earth’s hemispheres made from galvanically treated titanium. The sphere’s do a complete rotation in 24 hours and feature a day/night indication. The astronomical complication doesn’t even need to be adjusted before 2100. Not too shabby at all. The globes feature such minute detail that they are works of art in themselves.